Predicting Every MLB Team's Opening Day 2026 Lineup, Version 4.0
With spring training games in full swing and the vast majority of offseason wheeling and dealing now in the rearview, Opening Day rosters are really starting to take shape.
However, every team has at least one major storyline to monitor this spring, whether it's a straightforward position battle, an up-and-comer making a case for a roster spot or a logjam that needs to be sorted out.
All offseason, B/R's Opening Day lineup predictions have been rolled out once per month to reflect the latest wave of signings and trades.
Now we have mostly complete rosters and real spring training trends to better shape those predictions, and with the start of the regular season fast approaching, this should be the most accurate set of predictions yet.
In case you missed it: Predicting Every MLB Team's Opening Day 2026 Lineup, Version 3.0
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Geraldo Perdomo
2B Ketel Marte
RF Corbin Carroll
3B Nolan Arenado
DH Pavin Smith
C Gabriel Moreno
1B Carlos Santana
CF Jordan Lawlar
LF Alek Thomas
IL: OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr., DH Adrian Del Castillo, 1B Tyler Locklear
Spring Spotlight: Former top prospect Jordan Lawlar finally has a potential path to everyday playing time, but it will take him learning a new position in center field with the left side of the infield clearly blocked. Current top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt might be his biggest competition to round out the outfield, but he has just 148 pro games under his belt and has not climbed above Double-A, so he would really need to wow this spring.
Athletics
2 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Jeff McNeil
SS Jacob Wilson
1B Nick Kurtz
DH Brent Rooker
LF Tyler Soderstrom
C Shea Langeliers
RF Lawrence Butler
3B Max Muncy
CF Denzel Clarke
IL: IF Zack Gelof
Spring Spotlight: Max Muncy broke camp with the starting second base job last year, and the 2021 first-round pick now looks like the front-runner to win the third base job, especially with Zack Gelof sidelined to start the year. Veteran utility man Andy Ibáñez and Brett Harris are also options on the 40-man roster, but Muncy has a path to securing an everyday role.
Atlanta Braves
3 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Jurickson Profar
1B Matt Olson
RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
C Drake Baldwin
3B Austin Riley
LF Mike Yastrzemski
2B Ozzie Albies
CF Michael Harris II
SS Mauricio Dubón
IL: C Sean Murphy, SS Ha-Seong Kim
Spring Spotlight: The Braves re-signed Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million deal to serve as the team's starting shortstop, but he suffered a torn finger tendon when he slipped on ice during the offseason and will start the year on the injured list. In his absence, utility man Mauricio Dubón is the leading candidate for an expanded role, while Jorge Mateo, Brett Wisely and Nacho Alvarez Jr. are also in the mix.
Baltimore Orioles
4 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Colton Cowser
C Adley Rutschman
SS Gunnar Henderson
1B Pete Alonso
LF Taylor Ward
RF Tyler O'Neill
DH Samuel Basallo (R)
2B Jeremiah Jackson
3B Coby Mayo
IL: 2B Jackson Holliday, 3B Jordan Westburg
Spring Spotlight: The O's have two holes to fill on the infield with Jackson Holliday (hamate surgery) and Jordan Westburg (torn elbow ligament) both sidelined. Third base should be a clear runway for former top prospect Coby Mayo to prove himself, while Jeremiah Jackson, Blaze Alexander and non-roster invitee Thairo Estrada are vying to fill-in at second base.
Boston Red Sox
5 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Roman Anthony
SS Trevor Story
DH Jarren Duran
1B Willson Contreras
RF Wilyer Abreu
3B Caleb Durbin
C Carlos Narváez
2B Marcelo Mayer
CF Ceddanne Rafaela
IL: 1B Triston Casas, IF Romy González
Spring Spotlight: The Red Sox starting nine is essentially decided, but where everyone lines up on the infield is still up in the air, with newcomer Caleb Durbin and former top prospect Marcelo Mayer still sorting out who fits best at second base and third base. Mayer has been working primarily at second base in camp, but game action will be the deciding factor.
Chicago Cubs
6 of 30
Projected Lineup
1B Michael Busch
3B Alex Bregman
LF Ian Happ
RF Seiya Suzuki
CF Pete Crow-Armstrong
C Carson Kelly
2B Nico Hoerner
SS Dansby Swanson
DH Moisés Ballesteros (R)
IL: 1B Tyler Austin
Spring Spotlight: The Cubs appear ready to give Moises Ballesteros an everyday role after he posted a .999 OPS over 46 plate appearances in September, and he has nothing left to prove in the minors. If he struggles, it could open the door for someone from the non-roster invitee trio of Michael Conforto, Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson to see semi-regular action in right field. There's a good chance two of those guys will break camp with a roster spot.
Chicago White Sox
7 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Chase Meidroth
C Kyle Teel
SS Colson Montgomery
3B Miguel Vargas
1B Munetaka Murakami (R)
DH Lenyn Sosa
RF Austin Hays
LF Andrew Benintendi
CF Luisangel Acuña
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: The White Sox have a hole to fill in center field for the first time in years after Luis Robert Jr. was traded to the Mets, and the leading candidate to replace him is the guy they got in return, Luisangel Acuña. The 23-year-old is out of minor league options, so he's a safe bet to make the team, but he'll need to outplay Brooks Baldwin to secure a starting job out of the gates.
Cincinnati Reds
8 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF TJ Friedl
2B Matt McLain
SS Elly De La Cruz
DH Eugenio Suárez
LF Spencer Steer
1B Sal Stewart (R)
C Tyler Stephenson
RF Noelvi Marte
3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: There are a lot of moving parts to the Reds projected lineup, and much of it hinges on whether prospect Sal Stewart is able to stake claim to the starting first base job. If not, Spencer Steer moves to first base and some combination of JJ Bleday, Dane Myers and Will Benson handles left field.
Cleveland Guardians
9 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Steven Kwan
RF George Valera
3B José Ramírez
DH Kyle Manzardo
1B Rhys Hoskins
LF Chase DeLauter (R)
2B Gabriel Arias
C Bo Naylor
SS Brayan Rocchio
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: The Guardians added slugger Rhys Hoskins on a minor league deal on Feb. 23, and his contract will be worth $1.5 million if he makes the team. Kyle Manzardo can easily slot at designated hitter if he wins a job, and the ripple effect would push CJ Kayfus to either challenge for a spot in the outfield or return to Triple-A for regular playing time.
Colorado Rockies
10 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Jake McCarthy
SS Ezequiel Tovar
C Hunter Goodman
DH Mickey Moniak
RF Jordan Beck
1B Edouard Julien
CF Brenton Doyle
3B Kyle Karros
2B Ryan Ritter
IL: DH Kris Bryant
Spring Spotlight: Besides Ezequiel Tovar at shortstop, nothing is decided in the Rockies infield. Kyle Karros could be the everyday guy at third base if he looks ready, while offseason pickup Willi Castro is the safety net if he is not. On the right side, Edouard Julien will likely claim one spot, while first base (Troy Johnston, Blaine Crim, T.J. Rumfield) and second base (Ryan Ritter, Tyler Freeman) both have multiple candidates.
Detroit Tigers
11 of 30
Projected Lineup
3B Colt Keith
2B Gleyber Torres
DH Kerry Carpenter
LF Riley Greene
1B Spencer Torkelson
RF Wenceel Pérez
SS Kevin McGonigle (R)
C Dillon Dingler
CF Parker Meadows
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: Kevin McGonigle has yet to play a single game at the Triple-A level, but he might already be the best pure hitter in the Tigers organization. After winning Arizona Fall League MVP honors, he is 6-for-13 with three extra-base hits in the early going this spring, and the likes of Javier Báez, Zach McKinstry and Trey Sweeney won't stand in his way once he is deemed ready.
Houston Astros
12 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Jeremy Peña
DH Yordan Alvarez
2B Jose Altuve
3B Carlos Correa
1B Christian Walker
C Yainer Díaz
LF Joey Loperfido
CF Jake Meyers
RF Zach Cole (R)
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: Notably absent from the Astros projected lineup is 2025 All-Star Isaac Paredes, who no longer has an everyday role at third base after the move to bring back Carlos Correa at the deadline. He could be used at DH with Yordan Alvarez in left field, but after an injury-plagued season the organization might be hesitant to overexpose Alvarez defensively. If there's an impactful trade left to be made before Opening Day, it might involve Paredes going elsewhere.
Kansas City Royals
13 of 30
Projected Lineup
3B Maikel García
SS Bobby Witt Jr.
1B Vinnie Pasquantino
C Salvador Perez
RF Jac Caglianone
2B Jonathan India
DH Carter Jensen (R)
LF Isaac Collins
CF Kyle Isbel
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: The recent addition of Starling Marte on an MLB contract adds an interesting wrinkle to what role Carter Jensen will fill. After a stellar run as a September call-up, Jensen could serve as the backup catcher and primary DH. However, if Marte sees regular DH action, Jensen could end up back at Triple-A with non-roster invitee Elias Díaz as the backup catcher.
Los Angeles Angels
14 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Zach Neto
1B Nolan Schanuel
CF Mike Trout
LF Jo Adell
RF Josh Lowe
DH Jorge Soler
3B Yoán Moncada
C Logan O'Hoppe
2B Christian Moore
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: A healthy Mike Trout has his sights set on returning to center field in 2026, despite the fact that a shift to right field and more regular DH duties helped him reach 120 games played for the first time since 2019. If the organization can convince him DH is in his best interest, Josh Lowe would be the primary center fielder, with Jo Adell and Jorge Soler manning the corners.
Los Angeles Dodgers
15 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Shohei Ohtani
RF Kyle Tucker
SS Mookie Betts
1B Freddie Freeman
C Will Smith
3B Max Muncy
LF Teoscar Hernandez
CF Andy Pages
2B Alex Freeland (R)
IL: 2B/OF Tommy Edman, IF/OF Enrique Hernández
Spring Spotlight: An otherwise locked Dodgers roster has an opening at second base with Tommy Edman still on the mend from offseason ankle surgery. Defensive standout Miguel Rojas and speedy Hyeseong Kim are candidates to take on a bigger role, but Alex Freeland is the X-factor. The 24-year-old posted an .834 OPS with 30 doubles, 16 home runs and 82 RBI in 106 games at Triple-A last season, and he offers a higher ceiling than those incumbent alternatives.
Miami Marlins
16 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Jakob Marsee
2B Xavier Edwards
LF Kyle Stowers
C Agustín Ramírez
RF Owen Caissie (R)
SS Otto Lopez
DH Heriberto Hernández
1B Christopher Morel
3B Connor Norby
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: The Marlins have a logjam at the first base and designated hitter spots, though there are some platoon options to consider. Christopher Morel has the highest ceiling of the bunch and is learning to play first base in hopes of claiming the everyday job. Right-handed hitter Heriberto Hernandez and left-handed bats Griffin Conine and Liam Hicks are also in the mix, with Hicks serving as the backup catcher.
Milwaukee Brewers
17 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Jackson Chourio
2B Brice Turang
C William Contreras
DH Christian Yelich
1B Andrew Vaughn
RF Sal Frelick
3B Luis Rengifo
CF Garrett Mitchell
SS Joey Ortiz
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: Garrett Mitchell started in center field for the Brewers on Opening Day in 2023 and 2025, and he has a 112 OPS+ for his career, but he has yet to stay healthy for a full season. The 27-year-old played just 25 games last year and 113 total over the last three seasons, but with Isaac Collins traded, he once again has a chance to secure a regular role.
Minnesota Twins
18 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Byron Buxton
2B Luke Keaschall
1B Josh Bell
RF Matt Wallner
3B Royce Lewis
DH Trevor Larnach
C Ryan Jeffers
SS Brooks Lee
LF Austin Martin
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: Trevor Larnach, Victor Caratini, Austin Martin and James Outman are all likely to wind up on the Opening Day roster, but how they'll be used is still up in the air. Larnach will see everyday at-bats, either at DH or in left field. If he's in left field, Caratini could be the regular DH, while Martin and Outman are the top alternate options in the outfield.
New York Mets
19 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Francisco Lindor
LF Juan Soto
3B Bo Bichette
1B Jorge Polanco
2B Marcus Semien
DH Brett Baty
C Francisco Álvarez
CF Luis Robert Jr.
RF Mike Tauchman
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: Despite all their offseason roster retooling, the Mets lack a clear answer to the starting right field job, with Juan Soto shifting to left field for the 2026 season. Prospect Carson Benge will get a long look, despite playing just 56 games above the High-A level. Non-roster invitee Mike Tauchman and fourth outfielder Tyrone Taylor are also squarely in the running, while the X-factor is Brett Baty potentially shifting to the grass. Sending Benge to the minors and keeping Tauchman on the roster looks like the safest play.
New York Yankees
20 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Trent Grisham
RF Aaron Judge
LF Cody Bellinger
1B Ben Rice
DH Giancarlo Stanton
2B Jazz Chisholm Jr.
3B Ryan McMahon
SS José Caballero
C Austin Wells
IL: SS Anthony Volpe, IF/OF Oswaldo Cabrera
Spring Spotlight: With Anthony Volpe still recovering from October shoulder surgery, the Yankees will need a stopgap starter at shortstop. Speedy José Caballero was already a lock for the Opening Day roster in a utility role and looks like the logical replacement. However, veteran Paul DeJong is in camp as a non-roster invitee and could win a job, while third baseman Ryan McMahon has also seen some reps at shortstop.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Kyle Schwarber
SS Trea Turner
1B Bryce Harper
3B Alec Bohm
LF Brandon Marsh
RF Adolis García
2B Bryson Stott
C J.T. Realmuto
CF Justin Crawford (R)
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: The Phillies have given prospect Justin Crawford a clear path to break camp as the starting center fielder, but they have also made it clear he will need to win the job. The 22-year-old hit .334/.411/.452 with 46 steals in 112 games at Triple-A last season, and he has a first-round pedigree. Defensive standout Johan Rojas is the likely fallback option if Crawford returns to the minors.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Projected Lineup
1B Spencer Horwitz
2B Brandon Lowe
LF Bryan Reynolds
RF Ryan O'Hearn
DH Marcell Ozuna
SS Nick Gonzales
CF Oneil Cruz
3B Jared Triolo
C Joey Bart
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: All eyes are on phenom Konnor Griffin as he tries to win an Opening Day roster spot. The 19-year-old hit .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs, 94 RBI and 65 steals in 122 games last season while reaching Double-A in his pro debut. The Pirates didn't keep Paul Skenes on the Opening Day roster when he was clearly ready, so Nick Gonzales likely starts the year at shortstop, but Griffin is the type of talent that could force the issue.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Xander Bogaerts
CF Jackson Merrill
3B Manny Machado
RF Fernando Tatis Jr.
1B Gavin Sheets
LF Ramón Laureano
2B Jake Cronenworth
DH Miguel Andujar
C Freddy Fermin
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: The Padres signed KBO standout Sung-Mun Song to a four-year, $15 million deal in December, so while he's not included in the projected lineup, he is going to have a role on this team. He played exclusively second and third base for the Kiwoom Heroes, but the Padres are giving him reps at shortstop and in the outfield. Ha-Seong Kim started his Padres run in a similar role, and ended up breaking through as an everyday player.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Luis Arraez
SS Willy Adames
1B Rafael Devers
3B Matt Chapman
RF Jung Hoo Lee
LF Heliot Ramos
CF Harrison Bader
DH Bryce Eldridge (R)
C Patrick Bailey
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: The only real lineup spot even open for discussion in San Francisco is the designated hitter spot, and it has generally been assumed that would go to rookie Bryce Eldridge. The 6'7" slugger made his MLB debut last September, and while he hit .107 with 13 strikeouts in 10 games, he logged an .836 OPS and had 18 home runs in 66 games at Triple-A. If he were optioned, Jerar Encarnacion might be the immediate beneficiary.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Projected Lineup
3B Brendan Donovan
C Cal Raleigh
CF Julio Rodríguez
1B Josh Naylor
LF Randy Arozarena
DH Dominic Canzone
SS J.P. Crawford
RF Victor Robles
2B Cole Young
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: Cole Young and Colt Emerson are battling for one starting spot on the Mariners infield this spring, and the winner will determine where versatile newcomer Brendan Donovan calls home. Young started 68 games at second base and would be the starter there, while the team's No. 1 prospect Emerson has played primarily on the left side of the infield in the minors and likely mans third.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Lars Nootbaar
SS Masyn Winn
1B Alec Burleson
DH Iván Herrera
3B Nolan Gorman
RF Jordan Walker
2B JJ Wetherholt (R)
C Pedro Pagés
CF Victor Scott II
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: The Cardinals are in full rebuilding mode, and that gives JJ Wetherholt a golden opportunity to win a spot on the Opening Day roster. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 draft hit .306/.421/.510 across 109 games in the upper levels of the minors, and he is 3-for-8 with a home run and five walks in the early going this spring. Utility man Thomas Saggese likely holds down the fort if Wetherholt is optioned.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Gavin Lux
DH Yandy Díaz
1B Jonathan Aranda
3B Junior Caminero
CF Cedric Mullins
RF Jake Fraley
SS Carson Williams (R)
C Nick Fortes
LF Chandler Simpson
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: The Rays gave Carson Williams a 32-game audition for the shortstop job last season, but his .172 average and 41.5 percent strikeout rate failed to lock down the role. Now he's competing with defensive whiz Taylor Walls, who has been extremely valuable as a utility player and will return to that role whenever Williams is ready.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Brandon Nimmo
LF Wyatt Langford
SS Corey Seager
DH Joc Pederson
3B Josh Jung
CF Evan Carter
1B Jake Burger
2B Josh Smith
C Danny Jansen
IL: IF/OF Cody Freeman
Spring Spotlight: With a 110 OPS+ and 6.2 WAR the last two seasons, utility man Josh Smith is the leading candidate to replace Marcus Semien at second base. However, there is a case to be made that he is more valuable to the team untethered from an everyday position. In that case, Ezequiel Duran and former first-round pick Justin Foscue would be the top alternatives.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH George Springer
RF Addison Barger
1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
CF Daulton Varsho
C Alejandro Kirk
LF Jesús Sánchez
3B Kazuma Okamoto (R)
2B Ernie Clement
SS Andrés Giménez
IL: OF Anthony Santander
Spring Spotlight: The Blue Jays made a February trade to acquire Jesús Sánchez from the Astros, and his $6.8 million salary is not an insignificant amount. However, a starting role in left field is not a given considering Nathan Lukes had a 100 OPS+ with 12 home runs and 65 RBI in 135 games during a breakout 2025 season. Both are left-handed hitters, so there is no platoon compromise.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS CJ Abrams
LF Daylen Lile
DH James Wood
2B Luis García Jr.
3B Brady House
C Keibert Ruiz
RF Dylan Crews
1B Andrés Chaparro
CF Jacob Young
IL: None
Spring Spotlight: The Nationals are sorting through options on the right side of the infield, with Luis García Jr. as the pivot point, potentially moving from second to first base. If he shifts, defensive standout Nasim Nunez likely takes over at second. If not, Andrés Chaparro and non-roster invitees Matt Mervis and Warming Bernabel are the top in-house options at first.
